COCK-FIGHTING. 
173 
lick his bird’s eye, and lead and encourage him to pursue 
a dunghill fowl which he held in his arms, and ran with 
before him. The last fortnight the sparring was discon¬ 
tinued, and four days next allowed before the bird was 
brought into the pit, and always fasting. 
“ In matching birds, it was necessary to consider their 
strength and length—the weak, long bird rising with more 
ease, and the short, strong bird giving the surer and 
deadlier blow. 
“ The game cocks were prepared for battle by cutting off 
the mane all but a small ruff, and clipping off the feathers 
from the tail. The wings were cut short, and sharp points 
left, to endanger the eye of the antagonist. The spurs 
were scraped and sharpened, but steel spurs were not used 
at this early period, though the sport was as old as the 
Athenians. The preparation was completed by removing 
all the feathers from the crown of the head. The feeder, 
then licking his pupil all over, turned him into the pit, to 
win his gold and move his fortune. 
“ The birds were generally brought into the arena in 
linen bags, in which they came from Norwich or Wis~ 
beach. 
“ They began the combat by whetting their beaks upon 
the ground, and continued the fight till they were both 
blind, or faint from loss of blood. The feeder had to suck 
the wounds of the living bird, and powder them with 
dust of the herb Robert. If the eye were hurt, the 
